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Action Comics 863 presents the finale to the Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes.  This six-part storyline heralds the return of the return of the pre-Crisis Legion into a Post-Infinite Crisis continuity.

Admittedly, this is not my Legion.  I am enjoying the current incarnation of the team over in (Supergirl and) the Legion of Super Heroes, as well as the black and white Adventure Comics reprinted in Showcase.  Other than these books, and the occasional crossover, I am unfamiliar with this version of the Legion.  That being said, my lack of knowledge has not interfered with my enjoyment of the story.

The plot presents a simple insight into human nature.  In the 31st century, new evidence is discovered that establishes Superman was not an alien from Krypton, but rather was born on Earth.  This information is used to manipulate Earthlings into a xenophobic frenzy.  The Legion of Super-Heroes , which is made up of teenagers from across the universe, directly suffers from Earth’s newfound isolationism as Earth secedes from the United Planets and persecutes all foreign aliens.  Like Japanese Americans in World War II, the Legionnaires are herded into prisons and internment camps.  All that remains are a few tattered remnants of the team, who are in hiding and on the run from a new Earth Based Justice League led by the enigmatic hero Earth-Man.  The future is in peril.

Of course , Superman really is from Krypton.  So, the solution is simple, bring Superman to the 31st century to tell the truth.  But when he arrives, Superman is shocked to discover that Earth’s yellow Sun, the source of his great powers has turned red. 

What hope does a powerless man of steel and renegade group of aliens have against an entire planet?

If you have ever read a comic-book, you already know the answer. 

Over the past five issues, Superman and the Legionnaires have rescued their teammates, defeated the Justice League (with the help of some Substitute Heroes) and solved the mystery of the red Sun.  This leads to the current issue, which features the final battle against Earth-Man, who turned out to be . . . .  Nope, no spoilers from me. 

Overall, the “Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes” storyline has been enjoyable, despite the fact that it was a little uneven at times.  As usual, Johns, one of the best writers in comics, does an excellent job wrapping up the story and reminding the 31st century, and the reader, why Superman, and the Legion of Super-Heroes, are still relevant.  The use of flashbacks throughout this story was a very effective to reveal the new history of Superman and the Legion.  I had some suspension of disbelief problems with the near-instantaneous speed at which Superman regained his powers under the yellow Sun.  This is especially true since it took several issue for him to lose his powers under the red Sun.  I also had some personal problems adapting to Gary Frank’s art.  Although his style worked well for the adult Legion and their villains, his Superman did not feel right to me.  Perhaps it’s because Frank’s version of the character was too cold and grim.  (In fact, everyone in this issue is drawn very grim—almost no one smiles and the few instances that they do, the smile is more of an evil grin.) To me, Superman is, and always has been a beacon of hope.  He should have an engaging smile that almost borders on corny. 

Overall, Action Comics 863 was a good conclusion to an enjoyable story arc.  But, more importantly, there was a two-page advertisement for the Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds by Johns and Perez.  This is something to be excited about.

Action Comics 863
“Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes Chapter 6: Sun Rise”
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Gary Frank
Inks: Jonathan Sibal
Colorist: Dave McGaig
Letterer: Nachie Castro
Publisher: DC COMICS
Price: $2.99

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